Danny Gospel
David Athey
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (April 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764204440
ISBN-13: 978-0764204449
Book Description:
Once he'd performed in his family's gospel band, but now most of his loved ones have passed on. Still known as "Danny Gospel," he is living a sedate, quiet life as a postman in a small Iowa town. Soon his tranquil existence is broken open by--a dream, a vision, a sign?--a beautiful woman he is sure is his "beloved." Logic and sense tucked safely out of harm's way, Danny launches a quest to find his true love. Always good-natured, he is a hero on a journey--dreaming impossible dreams and, no matter how much he must suffer, pursuing romance and heavenly glory.
But is his quest really for a vision of beauty--or is it a journey through pains too deep to name and emotions too raw to feel?
Reviewed by Gina Holmes
David Athey's, Danny Gospel is an amazing debut. This novel tells a story of a young man who loses his way, (and at times his mind), but never his faith. It's part coming of age, part adventure, part love story, part triumph and part tragedy.
Danny, with all his faults, remains an idealist and I believe readers will adore the character, seeing parts of themselves in him. I can't say I fully understood this book, but it utterly captivated me and spoke to my heart none the less.
This line from Danny Gospel sums up the theme of this wonderful novel:
That was a perfect moment in Paradise, and I was tempted to reach out and
grasp it with all my might and never let it go. But I wasn't about to fool
myself. This little island of Palm Beach in the Kingdom of Florida was not
really Heaven, not even close. And it would not last forever.
Danny Gospel is one of the most intriguing novels I've read to date. Mermaids, angels, peg-leg pirates, federal offenses and the promise of love and Heaven. . . what's not to like?
This book was spectacular.
ReplyDeleteAthey knows is an artist with the english language.